Document Building Safety Act Update

The Housing Services Compliance Manager advised that the aim of the Act was primarily to improve building safety, particularly in high-rise buildings following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, setting a new standard for accountability, transparency and resident well-being.

Resident engagement was also emphasised in the Act, with building owners required to develop and implement a resident engagement strategy that sought resident feedback on safety related decisions.  A draft strategy relating to Surrey Towers was currently out for consultation, whilst a building safety case report was also being prepared and would be presented to the next Housing Committee.

The Housing Services Compliance Manager added that an additional surveyor was being sought to ensure that building safety elements were adequately covered and addressed.  This would require Housing Committee’s recommendation to Corporate Management Committee for approval.

The Corporate Head of Housing confirmed that he was hopeful that a suitable candidate would be identified based on the requested salary band.

            Resolved that –

1. Committee noted the additional obligations placed on landlords as a result of the Building Safety Act 2022 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022

2. Committee noted it would receive an update on the Housing Service’s work to submit a Building Safety Case to the new regulator at the September 2023 meeting of the committee.

3. Recommended an addition to the Housing staff structure – the appointment of a Compliance Surveyor – to the Corporate Management Committee to agree the new post at its next meeting in June 2023.